Staying Safe On The Streets

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. The Palm Springs Police Department reminds drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,522 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2022. In California alone, 1,158 pedestrian were struck and killed on California roads in 2022, accounting for 26 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the state. T

Here are some tips from Palm Springs Police.

Drivers:

Don’t speed, slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians:

Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.

Watch for approaching vehicles and pay attention crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – by  wearing bright colors, reflective material, or use a flashlight. .

Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.

Share your thoughts about pedestrian safety by participating in the Go Safely Movement, a call-to-action traffic safety survey from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Take the survey at gosafelyca.org.